Samanthan
Encyclopedia
Samantan Nair or more commonly Samantan (Sama + anta means equal distance or difference, rather risen from the common masses) was a generic term applied to dignify a collection of Kshatriya
sub-clans among the ruling elite and feudal estate owners of Kerala
belonging to the Nayar
race.
Empire approximately during 800 to 1102 during which the Kolla varsham (Malayalam calendar system) was initiated (825). The polity under the Cheras of Mahodayapuram was in reality a Brahmin oligarchy with theocratic character but within a monarchical frame. The defence of the Chera kings and their city meanwhile was entrusted to a group of Nair warriors known as ayiram (The thousand). This militia was also alternatively referred to as onnu kurai ayiram (The thousand without the one, means without cheraman perumal.) or Patinayiram (The ten thousand). The Nairs were as the Keralolpathi
expressely says, the people of "the eye", "the hand" and "the order" and it was their duty to prevent the rights from being curtailed or suffered to fall into disuse. During 10th century, there were extended periods of warfare between the Cheras and the Cholas during which male members of Nair community had been liquidated by war on a large scale. This period is believed to have instituted Marumakkattayam (matrilineal succession) and Sambandham
(loose marriage associations) among Nayars who were chiefly intermediate tenantry and militia, so that Nayar women can choose to propagate her family through suitors superior to her that amuse her fancy or guarantee social ascension.
As a consequence of extended periods of war between the Cheras and Cholas in 10th century, the Nairs had as a guild, acquired higher functions in the body politic and the administration of Kerala was fragmented into 17 Nads (princely principalities), the rulers of which were mostly from the Nair stock. But over the course of time, smaller Nayar chiefs also declared their own kingdoms, such that during the invasion of Malabar
by Tippu Sultan, there were 35 Nads in Malabar alone and constantly tried to elevate their rank status from the bulk of Nayars to distinguish themselves, through collision with Brahmins. The 35 Naads (Principalities) in Malabar were: Kottayam, Kadathanad
, Kurumbranad
, Tamarasseri-Wynad, Ernad (Nediyiruppu swaroopam) North Parappanad, South Parappanad, Valluvanad, Vadamalapuram, Tenmalapuram, Kolathunad
(All ruled by Samanta Kshatriyas); Polanad, Payyanad, Ramanad, Cheranad, Nedunganad, Naduvattam, Kuttanad, Chavakkad, Chetwai, Neeleswaram, Konad, Kodikkunninad, Vettattnad
, Kakkad, Beypore, Talapilli, Chirakkal, Kumbala, Kollamkode, Punnathur (All ruled by Samanthan Nairs); Kavalapara
, Kurangott, Kuthiravattath, Payyurmala & Pulavai (All ruled by Moopil Nayar
s).
s tried to get formal recognition through the gifting of gold and money to Paradesi Brahmins as well as the few Namboothiri clans which were ready to recognize them. As a first step to formal recognition, the rulers were first elevated to the title of Sāmanta. A Sāmanta could be also further provoted to Mahāsāmanta by providing gifts to Brahmins. Finally a Sāmanta could be promoted to Samanta Kshatriya with periodic or one-time (depending on the origin of the ruling family and the strictness of the Brahmins) performance of 16 mahādānams (great gifts in charity) such as Hiranya-garbhā, Hiranya-Kāmdhenu, Hiranyāswaratā, and Tulāpurusha dānam in each of which thousands of Brahmins had to be given costly gifts apart from each getting a minimum of 1 kazhanch (78.65 gms) of gold. In 17th century, Rājas of princely principalities of Venād (Travancore
), Onād, Konād, Kotikkuninād, Kolathunād, Polanād, Thekkumkoor, and Vadkkumkoor dignified as Sāmantas.
Rajas were first to be dignified to the Samanta status. However, in 1617 AD (792 ME) Kolathiri
Raja, Udayavarman, wished to further promote himself to full recognition by performing Hiranya-garbha, which the Namboothiris refused. Consequently Udayavarman brought 237 Brahmin families (Sagara Dwijas) from Gokarnam and settled them in five Desams. (Cheruthazham, Kunniriyam, Arathil, Kulappuram and Vararuchimangalam of Perinchelloor Gramam) . The latter adopted Namboothiri customs and performed Hiranya-garbha and conferred Kshatriyahood on the former. Later, on the request of Raja of Travancore, 185 of these Sagara dwijans families were sent to Thiruvalla. (Thiruvalladesi Embraanthiris).
(Venad Swaroopam), Attingal, Kottarakkara (Elayadathu Swaroopam ), Quilon (Desinganad), Karunagapalli, Karthikapalli, Kayamkulam, Panthalam, Thekkumkur
, Vadakkumkur, Punjar, Airur, Paravur, Alangad (Alangad Karthavu), Edapalli, Karappuram & Cranganore. These Rajas were first dignified as Samantas and some of them subsequently further dignified as Mahasamantas.
The ruling elite of Mavelikkara, the Bhandarams, first converted from Buddhism to Hinduism to be assimilated in to the Nayars, then promoted them self to Samantan and finally to Samanta Kshatriya.
by the Namboothiris openly insulted the Zamorin, who belonged to the Eradi
subdivision, calling him a cowherd. The fuming Zamorin invaded Cochin with all his forces and the Raja of Cochin was forced to run for his life and bequeath his power to the British. Zamorin tried to elevate himself to the Samanta Kshatriya status by performing the Hiranya-garbha, but fierce opposition by his opponents (most notably the Rajas of Cochin) forced the Namboothiris of Malabar to abandon the plan. Instead the Zamorin, who was an ordinary Nair
, was elevated to the Samanta status by performing the Padma-garbha .
s, claiming that Samantas are different caste from Nairs. One of them, Nilambur Thachara Kovil Mana Vikrama (Elaya Tirumalpad) filed a complaint against the Collector of Malabar (William Logan
) on his refusal to enter Samanta as caste separate from Nair. Even after submitting a lot of evidence trying to prove that Samantas are a separate caste, the judge refused to act against Logan, stating:
by the British reported a total of 1,225 Samantans in the region. But the number increased steeply to 4,351 in 1901, as many Nambiars
started to identify themselves as Samanta.
women while women engaged in hypergamous unions with either Namboodiris or other Samanthan
s.
Kshatriya
*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...
sub-clans among the ruling elite and feudal estate owners of Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
belonging to the Nayar
Nair
Nair , also known as Nayar , refers to "not a unitary group but a named category of castes", which historically embody several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom bore the Nair title. These people historically live in the present-day Indian state of Kerala...
race.
Historical background
Kerala was under the second CheraChera dynasty
Chera Dynasty in South India is one of the most ancient ruling dynasties in India. Together with the Cholas and the Pandyas, they formed the three principle warring Iron Age Tamil kingdoms in southern India...
Empire approximately during 800 to 1102 during which the Kolla varsham (Malayalam calendar system) was initiated (825). The polity under the Cheras of Mahodayapuram was in reality a Brahmin oligarchy with theocratic character but within a monarchical frame. The defence of the Chera kings and their city meanwhile was entrusted to a group of Nair warriors known as ayiram (The thousand). This militia was also alternatively referred to as onnu kurai ayiram (The thousand without the one, means without cheraman perumal.) or Patinayiram (The ten thousand). The Nairs were as the Keralolpathi
Keralolpathi
The Keralolpathi is a Malayalam work that deals with the origin of the land of Kerala. Shungunny Menon ascribes the authorship of this work to Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, a 17th century scholar of the Malabar region of India. The Keralolpathi is mostly an expansion from an earlier Sanskrit...
expressely says, the people of "the eye", "the hand" and "the order" and it was their duty to prevent the rights from being curtailed or suffered to fall into disuse. During 10th century, there were extended periods of warfare between the Cheras and the Cholas during which male members of Nair community had been liquidated by war on a large scale. This period is believed to have instituted Marumakkattayam (matrilineal succession) and Sambandham
Sambandham
Sambandham was a form of marital system primarily followed by the Nairs in what is the present-day Indian state of Kerala. This system of marriage was followed by the matriarchal castes of Kerala, though today the custom has ceased to exist...
(loose marriage associations) among Nayars who were chiefly intermediate tenantry and militia, so that Nayar women can choose to propagate her family through suitors superior to her that amuse her fancy or guarantee social ascension.
As a consequence of extended periods of war between the Cheras and Cholas in 10th century, the Nairs had as a guild, acquired higher functions in the body politic and the administration of Kerala was fragmented into 17 Nads (princely principalities), the rulers of which were mostly from the Nair stock. But over the course of time, smaller Nayar chiefs also declared their own kingdoms, such that during the invasion of Malabar
Malabar Coast
The Malabar Coast is a long and narrow coastline on the south-western shore line of the mainland Indian subcontinent. Geographically, it comprises the wettest regions of southern India, as the Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden monsoon rains, especially on their westward-facing mountain...
by Tippu Sultan, there were 35 Nads in Malabar alone and constantly tried to elevate their rank status from the bulk of Nayars to distinguish themselves, through collision with Brahmins. The 35 Naads (Principalities) in Malabar were: Kottayam, Kadathanad
Kadathanadu
Kadathanadu was a former Nair Hindu feudatory city-state in present day Kerala state, South India, on the Malabar Coast famed for its anthology of heroic songs, folklores and ballads and for Kalarippayattu.-Geographical location:Geographically, Kadathanadu is part of North Malabar...
, Kurumbranad
Kurumbranad - Kurumbiathiri swaroopam
Kurumbranad was a former Nair Hindu feudal kingdom in present day Kerala state, South India, on the Malabar Coast. Once a powerful kingdom capitalized at Mapayil, Puthuppanam, Vadakara. The area borded from sea at West side and Karnataka at the East...
, Tamarasseri-Wynad, Ernad (Nediyiruppu swaroopam) North Parappanad, South Parappanad, Valluvanad, Vadamalapuram, Tenmalapuram, Kolathunad
Kolathunadu
Kolathunādu was one of the three most powerful feudal kingdoms on the Malabar Coast during the arrival Portuguese Armadas to India along with Zamorin's Calicut and Venad. Kolathunād had its capital at Ezhimala and was ruled by Kolathiri royal family and roughly comprised the whole northern...
(All ruled by Samanta Kshatriyas); Polanad, Payyanad, Ramanad, Cheranad, Nedunganad, Naduvattam, Kuttanad, Chavakkad, Chetwai, Neeleswaram, Konad, Kodikkunninad, Vettattnad
Vettattnad
Vettathunad or Tanur swaroopam was a small erstwhile feudal kingdom in southern Malabar on Arabian Sea in southwest India ruled by a Hindu dynasty known as Tanur dynasty, over whom the Zamorin of Calicut claimed certain nominal suzerain rights.The King was called 'raja'or 'thampuran' or...
, Kakkad, Beypore, Talapilli, Chirakkal, Kumbala, Kollamkode, Punnathur (All ruled by Samanthan Nairs); Kavalapara
Kavalappara Swaroopam
Kavalappara Swaroopam or Kavalappara is a former Hindu Nair feudal city-state in Malabar, South India. Kavalappara Nairs were the vassals of the Zamorins of Calicut, and ruled some parts of Ottappalam, Chittur and Palakkad. At the peak of his glory, king of Kavalappara ruled some 96 village from...
, Kurangott, Kuthiravattath, Payyurmala & Pulavai (All ruled by Moopil Nayar
Moopil Nair
Moopil Nair is the term used to denote Nair Naduvazhis and Desavazhis of tiny feudal kingdoms on the Malabar Coast, present day Kerala state, South India. Moopil Nairs belonged to the Samanthan Nair subcaste of the Nair caste in the Hindu Caste system...
s).
Origin of Samanta
As the Kshatriyahood of the ruling elite and chieftains of pre-democratic Kerala were not recognized by the Nambudiri Brahmins, the Malayala KshatriyaMalayala Kshatriya
The Samanta Kshatriya are the topmost subdivision of the Malayala Kshatriya Community in Kerala, India. The Samanta Kshatriyas make up a part of the erstwhile royal families of the Hindu Kingdoms and princely states that existed in Kerala until the creation of the Indian Republic...
s tried to get formal recognition through the gifting of gold and money to Paradesi Brahmins as well as the few Namboothiri clans which were ready to recognize them. As a first step to formal recognition, the rulers were first elevated to the title of Sāmanta. A Sāmanta could be also further provoted to Mahāsāmanta by providing gifts to Brahmins. Finally a Sāmanta could be promoted to Samanta Kshatriya with periodic or one-time (depending on the origin of the ruling family and the strictness of the Brahmins) performance of 16 mahādānams (great gifts in charity) such as Hiranya-garbhā, Hiranya-Kāmdhenu, Hiranyāswaratā, and Tulāpurusha dānam in each of which thousands of Brahmins had to be given costly gifts apart from each getting a minimum of 1 kazhanch (78.65 gms) of gold. In 17th century, Rājas of princely principalities of Venād (Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
), Onād, Konād, Kotikkuninād, Kolathunād, Polanād, Thekkumkoor, and Vadkkumkoor dignified as Sāmantas.
North Malabar
The KolathiriKolathiri
Kolathiri or Kolathiri Rājā was the title by which the senior most male along the matilinial line of the Mushika or Kolathunādu Royal Family was styled...
Rajas were first to be dignified to the Samanta status. However, in 1617 AD (792 ME) Kolathiri
Kolathiri
Kolathiri or Kolathiri Rājā was the title by which the senior most male along the matilinial line of the Mushika or Kolathunādu Royal Family was styled...
Raja, Udayavarman, wished to further promote himself to full recognition by performing Hiranya-garbha, which the Namboothiris refused. Consequently Udayavarman brought 237 Brahmin families (Sagara Dwijas) from Gokarnam and settled them in five Desams. (Cheruthazham, Kunniriyam, Arathil, Kulappuram and Vararuchimangalam of Perinchelloor Gramam) . The latter adopted Namboothiri customs and performed Hiranya-garbha and conferred Kshatriyahood on the former. Later, on the request of Raja of Travancore, 185 of these Sagara dwijans families were sent to Thiruvalla. (Thiruvalladesi Embraanthiris).
South Kerala
The royal clans in South Kerala dignified as Samantas included : Thiruvithamkod-TrippapurVenad
Venad Swarupam was one of the three prominent late medieval Hindu feudal kingdoms on Malabar Coast, south India, along with Kingdom of Calicut and Kingdom of Cannanore. In the early 14th century, Venad ruler Ravi Varma Kulasekhara had established a short-lived supremacy over southern India...
(Venad Swaroopam), Attingal, Kottarakkara (Elayadathu Swaroopam ), Quilon (Desinganad), Karunagapalli, Karthikapalli, Kayamkulam, Panthalam, Thekkumkur
ThekkumKoor
Thekkumkoor , also transliterated Thekkumkur or Thekkumcore, was a small independent kingdom that existed before 1749 in the southern part of Kerala in India and was ruled by a royal household known as Thekkumkoor Kovilakam, from a place called Thaliyilkotta near Thazhathangadi in the present day...
, Vadakkumkur, Punjar, Airur, Paravur, Alangad (Alangad Karthavu), Edapalli, Karappuram & Cranganore. These Rajas were first dignified as Samantas and some of them subsequently further dignified as Mahasamantas.
The ruling elite of Mavelikkara, the Bhandarams, first converted from Buddhism to Hinduism to be assimilated in to the Nayars, then promoted them self to Samantan and finally to Samanta Kshatriya.
South Malabar
The royal clans of Kerala were engaged in bitter rivalry against one another over recognition of their Kshatryahood. The Rajas of Cochin, whose lineage were promoted to the Suryavanshi clan of KshatriyaKshatriya
*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...
by the Namboothiris openly insulted the Zamorin, who belonged to the Eradi
Eradi
Eradi is a Samanthan Nair clan of Kshatriya origin, coming from the Indian state of Kerala. The word is derived from the place name Eranad in Kerala. The "Samoothiri" comes from this Eradi subcaste, now assimilated to Nair, the major upper caste of state of Kerala. Historically the Eradis numbered...
subdivision, calling him a cowherd. The fuming Zamorin invaded Cochin with all his forces and the Raja of Cochin was forced to run for his life and bequeath his power to the British. Zamorin tried to elevate himself to the Samanta Kshatriya status by performing the Hiranya-garbha, but fierce opposition by his opponents (most notably the Rajas of Cochin) forced the Namboothiris of Malabar to abandon the plan. Instead the Zamorin, who was an ordinary Nair
Nair
Nair , also known as Nayar , refers to "not a unitary group but a named category of castes", which historically embody several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom bore the Nair title. These people historically live in the present-day Indian state of Kerala...
, was elevated to the Samanta status by performing the Padma-garbha .
Cessation of mahadanams
The Nambudiri Brahmins had stipulated that Rajas of Travancore could retain their dignity of Samanta permanently but the Kshatriyhood conferred on them by the yagas and mahadanams would be valid only for 6 years and thus the latter purchased the recognition of their Kshatriyhood at a heavy recurring cost. During 1848, Lord Dalhousie the then Governor general of British India who was also an eager annexationist was appraised that the depressed condition of the finances in Tranavcore was owing to mal-administration and practices of treasury by the ruling elite. Lord Dalhousie, who was indignant at the colossal wasteful expenditure of Travancore state treasury through mahadanams among others, instructed Lord Harris Governor of Madras, warn the Raja under the ninth article of the treaty of 1805. On 21 November 1855, Lord Harris dispatched a strongly worded communication to the then Raja of Travancore alias Martanda Varma (Uttram Tirunal 1847–1860) that if he did not put a stop to his periodic re-incarnation as Kshatriya by squandering away huge sums of tax payer's money, among others, his state administration would be taken over by the Madras government. This led to the cessation of the practice of mahadanams and the Rajas of Travancore were unable to purchase the recognition of their Kshatriyahood further.Nair sub-clans constituting Samanta
The chief sub-clans constituting Samanta are as follows:| Nayar sub-clans dignified as Samanta | |||
| Geographical origin |
Sub-clan | Present distribution |
Prominents |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Malabar | Kitavu/Adiyodi | North & South Malabar | Kitavu-Rajas of Kurumbranad & Tekkadi Adiyodis,Vadakkadi Adiyodis |
| Nambiar Nambiar (Nair subcaste) Nambiār, alternatively spelled Nambiyār -the royal family - is a honorific title dignifying certain endogamous royal clans in the North Malabar region, defined as north of the Korapuzha river, of Kerala... |
North & South Malabar | Raja of Kadathanadu Kadathanadu Kadathanadu was a former Nair Hindu feudatory city-state in present day Kerala state, South India, on the Malabar Coast famed for its anthology of heroic songs, folklores and ballads and for Kalarippayattu.-Geographical location:Geographically, Kadathanadu is part of North Malabar... , Edacheri Nambiar, Vatakara Nambiar, Randutara Achanmar, Randu illom Vargam and Mavila, Koodali and Kalliat families |
|
| Nayanar Nayanar (Nair subcaste) Nayanar is an honorific title used among certain clans of Nairs in the North Malabar region of Kerala. Men of these clans were mainly chiefs of fiefdoms, and formed the aristocracy and landed gentry of the area.-Etymology:... |
North Malabar | Edathil, Erambala, Varikara and Vengayil families | |
| Unnithiri | North Malabar | ||
| South Malabar | Eradi Eradi Eradi is a Samanthan Nair clan of Kshatriya origin, coming from the Indian state of Kerala. The word is derived from the place name Eranad in Kerala. The "Samoothiri" comes from this Eradi subcaste, now assimilated to Nair, the major upper caste of state of Kerala. Historically the Eradis numbered... |
Ernadu (S.Malabar) | Samudiri Raja |
| Nedungadi Nedungadi is a Samanthan last name, coming from the Indian state of Kerala. They belong to Samanthan section of the Malabar ruling class.Samanthans were the erstwhile rulers of small Nadus under the Chera Dynasty. The name Nedungadi is believed to be derived from the word "Nedunganadu" and the word... |
South Malabar and Central Kerala | Raja of Nedunganad | |
| Vellodi | South Malabar | Valluvakonathiri Moopil Nair | |
| Cochin | Kaimal Kaimal Kaimal was a title of nobility conferred on the Nairs of Kerala by the rulers of Cochin and Travancore. The term Kaimal is derived from Kai which in Malayalam means hand, signifying power... |
Central & South Kerala | Anju-Kaimal, Thachudaya Kaimal and Kaimals of Vaikkattillam |
| Kartha Kartha Kartha is a Nair title name derived from Karthavu which means Lord and it was conferred by the king to some powerful Nair families who enjoyed Raja or Naduvazhi status... vu |
Central & south Kerala | Ranni Kartha, Karimattathu Kartha, Cheraneloor Kartha, Meenechil Kartha, Mannamparambath Kartha, Alangad Karthavu | |
| Travancore Travancore Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of... |
Venad swaroopam Travancore Royal Family The Travancore Royal Family descended from the Venad line of the Cheras and ruled over the Indian state of Travancore until 1947.The Royal family, alternatively known as the Kupaka Royal Family, Thripappur Swaroopam, Venad Swaroopam, Vanchi Swaroopam etc., has its seat today at Trivandrum in... |
Travancore | Maharajas of Travancore |
| Thampi Thampi The Thampis are the sons of the Samanthan Nair Maharajahs of Travancore and their morganatic wives belonging to Illathu Nair or other similar Kshatriya castes... |
Travancore | Ammaveed Ammaveedu Ammaveedus were the residences of the consorts of the Maharajahs of Travancore in Trivandrum. The descendants of the Maharajahs were considered as members of these Ammaveedus, with a status next only to royalty... s of Puthumana, Kallada, Mupidakka, Chavara, Pulimoodu , Arumana, Vadasseri, Thiruvattar and Nagercoil |
|
| Unnithan/Valiyathan Unnithan Unnithan is the modern form of the older title of Thankal . Unnithans were among the highest of the Nair aristocracy in the Travancore region of the Indian state of Kerala. Unnithan ladies of the Edassery Pattaveettil family were often married by the Rajahs or princes of the royal families such... |
Central Travancore | Valiyathans of Vattaparambil, Thottathil, Medayil.etc | |
| Pandala, Pandalai | Mavelikara, Cheppad, Kottarakkara | ||
| Thirumukom Thirumukom Thirumukom meaning respected or sacred face, was a form of address used by common people while referring to their king in Kerala state, South India. The term was also used in the ritual of Thirumukom Pidikukka, which was the main part of the ceremony of bestowing the title of Pillai on the Nairs of... |
Travancore | Ettuveetil Pillamar Ettuveetil Pillamar The Ettuveetil Pillamar were a group of nobles from eight Nair Houses in erstwhile Venad in present day Kerala state, South India. They were associated with the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram and the Ettara Yogam. They were known by the villages in which they resided and all of them... |
|
Dissent
Some Samantas object to their grouping with the NairNair
Nair , also known as Nayar , refers to "not a unitary group but a named category of castes", which historically embody several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom bore the Nair title. These people historically live in the present-day Indian state of Kerala...
s, claiming that Samantas are different caste from Nairs. One of them, Nilambur Thachara Kovil Mana Vikrama (Elaya Tirumalpad) filed a complaint against the Collector of Malabar (William Logan
William Logan (Malabar Manual)
William Logan was a Scottish officer of the Madras Civil Service under the British Government. Before his appointment as Collector of Malabar, he had served in the area for about twenty years in the capacity of Magistrate and Judge. He was conversant in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu...
) on his refusal to enter Samanta as caste separate from Nair. Even after submitting a lot of evidence trying to prove that Samantas are a separate caste, the judge refused to act against Logan, stating:
- "A consideration of all the evidence, appears to me to prove conclusively that the plaintiff is a Nair by caste . . . What appears to me, from a consideration of the evidence, to be the safe inference to draw is that the members of the plaintiff's family, and also the descendants of certain other of the old Nair chieftains, have for some time called themselves, and been called by others, Samantas, but that there is no distinctive caste of that name, and that the plaintiff is, as the defendant has described him, a Nayar by caste."
Demographics
The 1891 census of MalabarMalabar District
Malabar District was an administrative district of Madras Presidency in British India and independent India's Madras State. The British district included the present-day districts of Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad , and Chavakad Taluk of Thrissur District in the northern part of...
by the British reported a total of 1,225 Samantans in the region. But the number increased steeply to 4,351 in 1901, as many Nambiars
Nambiar (Nair subcaste)
Nambiār, alternatively spelled Nambiyār -the royal family - is a honorific title dignifying certain endogamous royal clans in the North Malabar region, defined as north of the Korapuzha river, of Kerala...
started to identify themselves as Samanta.
Manners and customs
Their manners and customs closely resemble those of the other Nair subcastes. However Samantan preferred vegetarianism as a means to assert moral superiority and distinguish themselves from the Nair bulk. Male members had marital unions with other NairNair
Nair , also known as Nayar , refers to "not a unitary group but a named category of castes", which historically embody several castes and many subdivisions, not all of whom bore the Nair title. These people historically live in the present-day Indian state of Kerala...
women while women engaged in hypergamous unions with either Namboodiris or other Samanthan
Samanthan
Samantan Nair or more commonly Samantan was a generic term applied to dignify a collection of Kshatriya sub-clans among the ruling elite and feudal estate owners of Kerala belonging to the Nayar race.-Historical background:Kerala was under the second Chera Empire approximately during 800...
s.